CEIL's GOVgreen Conference and Exposition recognizes our event, activities and actions have a direct effect on the local, regional, and global environment. We are committed to maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. In addition to the efforts taken during the first annual GOVgreen event in 2010, CEIL has continued to strive and not only meet the previous year's standards, but improve where possible.

GOVgreen Practices

Similar to any conference or expo, GOVgreen requires a variety of materials to plan, promote and stage an event. From pre-show marketing to onsite show signage, there are many options to aid in producing an environmentally friendly event. Here are steps the Center for Environmental Innovation and Leadership (CEIL) has taken to ensure that GOVgreen Conference and Exposition remains the standard-bearer of sustainability for exhibitions and conferences while providing a zero-waste and carbon-neutral event.

Minimize paper waste

Exhibitor services manuals available exclusively online.

Exhibitor prospectus and conference brochures were not printed, but emailed to prospects in an electronic format.

All direct mail (postcards) printed on SFI certified recycled paper.

Badges delivered via email to save printing and distribution. Printed badges are only available to attendees who verify onsite.

Digital signs will be utilized for all meeting rooms in place of printed signs.

Course handouts will not be printed, but available for viewing online

Eliminate Plastic Bottles

Plastic water bottles will not be available at the event.

Water stations utilizing SFI certified Ecotainers will be strategically placed throughout the exhibit hall.

Recycle and Reuse Event Materials

Recycling stations are available throughout the conference and exhibition.

Event signs are designed with reuse in mind. Approximately 65% of GOVgreen's 2010 signage has been repurposed for this year.

Signs for GOVgreen are100% recyclable and printed direct to substrate.

All carpet and padding were recycled.

All excess materials, including pens, notebooks/pads and tote bags will be donated to the Alice Ferguson Foundation. The Alice Ferguson Foundation encourages connections between people, the natural environment, farming and the cultural heritage of the Potomac River Watershed, which lead to personal environmental responsibility.

Achieve a net zero energy and carbon neutral event

GHG and carbon emissions were calculated through Carbonfund.org by looking at three categories based on guidance related to EO 13514, specifically, Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

The event’s total energy generation to be offset with the purchase of high-quality carbon offsets.

An online personal carbon footprint calculator is available online and onsite to help attendees join GOVgreen in making a difference in climate change.

The lighting system in over a mile of service corridors and all restrooms are censored.

The center provides "Metrochecks," a transit benefit to all employees for daily commute on Metrorail and Metrobus.

Partners with the DC Circulator, a frequent bus service operating in the heart of the District of Columbia, which is a convenient and affordable method of transportation serving downtown hotels, major area attractions, and special events in the area.

Bicycle racks are availalbe for guests and staff.

Water Efficiency

The building’s infrastructure supports storm water management. The extensive roof system feeds rain water into nine (9) large underground collection tanks around the property. The tanks collect, filter then release rainwater into the District of Columbia’s storm system at a reduced rate.

Utilizing effective water management system of cooling towers reduce the loss and increase the use of potable water.

Energy & Atmosphere

Compact fluorescent, HID, T5 and T8 high efficiency lighting is used in public areas throughout the facility. Halls are equipped with two light sources, high efficiency lighting used for almost all functions and theatrical type dimmable lighting system used only for limited special events.

A computer system controls lights in most areas of the building. It enables daylight control for the public concourses and halls that have outside light. The lighting system is calibrated to align with energy conservation policy which reduces light levels to 10% in halls and public areas when unoccupied, 50% during event move-in and move-out, and only operates at full levels when the event is in progress.

Indoor Environment Quality

Ecolab, one of the Center's environmentally preferred vendors, provides cleaning and sanitizing products to foodservice and housekeeping service partners.

Low-to-no volatile organic compound adhesives, sealants, paints, and carpeting are used throughout the Center.

Carbon dioxide sensors are located throughout the Center to ensure that appropriate levels of fresh air are being circulated. The carbon monoxide management system is integrated with CO sensors to run exhaust and fresh air fans, as needed, thus providing fresh air for driveways and underground loading docks.